James Michael Richards

Just learning of Jim's death, we were high school buddies, constantly taking risks and exploring the expanding world from his bedroom, the Octagon at my house and on the soccer field. Best wishes on your new journey, my friend.

Mr.Richards was the first true pool player to take me to the side and teach me the fundamentals of billiards....in doing so, he left an unending impression on me not only as a player, but as a person as well. He was intelligent and was in possession of a humor that always brought forth laughter. I will miss him dearly. - Virgil McBean

I met Jim in the pool room a bunch of years ago and we became friends pretty quickly we are both very competitive and we started playing straight pool. He loved the game of straight pool, and I was learning it myself so he would come in and set up his camera and video his sessions, so one day we played and I had one of those days where just everything went my way I mean every crazy shot that I looked at I made it,it was just ridiculous and I ended up winning but what he did was he took the video and and he gave it to me. that really impressed me. Being so competitive, the both of us. this game of pool can bring out the best and the worst in people. I have to tell you no matter what happened when we played good bad or indifferent we always ended up friends at the end of the day. Which is a testament to his character because I´m not that easy.little did I realize at the time, but he was teaching me to let things go. Jim was a very smart guy just a wealth of information, especially when it came to sports. You could talk to him about anything and for me he just was able to make sense of things. for me he was the voice of reason which separated him from
most of the guys in the room. I am so sad to see my friend go, I will miss him. affectionately known as Jimmy tomatoes. The guys in the pool Room will keep his memory alive. No doubt. my deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the family. rest in peace, my friend.

As Jim´s neighbor for 19 years on Trelli Lane, Jim and I crossed paths often as I would work in the yard and he would walk his dogs. We had many great conversations over the years - not only about sports, but about funny interactions we would have in our everyday life. He always had great insights and always made me laugh. Jim was a really good guy and will be missed. My wife Kim and I send our sincerest sympathies to Ronda, his kids and the rest of Jim´s family.

I met Jim at Ultimate Billiards - way back when - and he was very concerned that I would not return his shaft after I fixed his tip. When I walked in, he was playing with Ronnie Jackson, who also assured him I would be there. He was very relieved when I walked in the door with his cue. He was a good friend, I enjoyed his mortgage tomatoes whenever he brought them in to share, and he will be dearly missed. RIP Jim

So long to my dear friend, Jimmy, upon whom we affectionately gave the nickname "Jimmy Tomatoes".

Jimmy had so many wonderful attributes but for me his wit and sense of humor were at the top of the list. He was super smart and like a walking encyclopedia of sports with a special emphasis on his Philly teams. In a nutshell, Jimmy Tomatoes was a joy to be around and it was an honor to have been his friend.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Ronda, Kyle, Jessica, Jim's grandchildren, all of his other family and friends plus his beloved Rhodesian ridgeback dogs.

Godspeed Jimmy; until we meet again.

I didn't know Jimmy long, but anytime he came into the room he put a smile on my face. We will surely miss Jimmy Tomatoes coming in the poolroom, we've lost one of the good guys.

Ronda & family, my deepest sympathy to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and May God's love bring you comfort in your time of grief.
Ann Curtis/Key Bank